Here we are folks! The number 1 position on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” belongs to Mike Inez. Mike is the bassist for Alice In Chains. I know what some of you are thinking right now, “Anna said in her first blog she never got into the whole grunge movement…”, and you would be correct. However, Inez was on the scene long before grunge.

The first high profile band he played in was Ozzy Osbourne. He then joined Alice In Chains, and later played with other acts including Slash’s Snakepit, Black Label Society, and Heart. I will be the first one to admit that I cannot call myself a true Mike Inez fan if I haven’t heard all of his music. So I broke down and went on iTunes and purchased the latest Alice In Chains album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here solely for research purposes, of course, since I never was a grunge fan. I listened to the whole album and maybe, just maybe I have a favorite song. And perhaps I had supposed said song on repeat for almost six hours. And hypothetically I may have revisited iTunes for Black Gives Way To Blue but who knows, right? I mean, I never got into that whole grunge movement. It simply had to be done – for research purposes, of course.

So why is Mike in the number one spot? Among many reasons, it’s his optimism. To be honest, this is the sole reason I blindly purchased The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here as opposed to bumming it from somebody else. I figured if it completely sucked, it wouldn’t really matter because I was still supporting him regardless if it was just one album (well, eventually two, and fairly insignificant to anybody else but me). I did something I haven’t done for any other artist so far, and that is I searched tirelessly for negative stuff on Mike and found nothing. I even read comment sections of articles and nobody had anything bad to say about him anywhere. Does that mean he is perfect? Of course not; however, it does prove the age old saying, “You reap what you sow”. Mike is a very positive, upbeat person in every article, photo, and video I came across. These qualities are infectious by anybody who possesses them.

Alice In Chains will be touring this summer, beginning in July. Visit http://www.aliceinchains.com for tour dates and band merch. There are already many sold out shows so reserve your tickets in advance.

The Number 2 position on my countdown is held down by Marq Torien. Marq is the frontman for one of my favorite bands of all time, Bulletboys. He is also quite the guitarist, and was actually the guitarist for RATT before they were signed to a label. He has lent his vocal and/or guitar skills to a few other bands, as well as some solo projects; however, Bulletboys was always his baby and rightly so considering he is the only founding member of the band who never abandoned it.

Bulletboys were lumped in with what people refer to as “glam bands” or “hair metal” (which, if you recall, I can’t stand any of those titles) simply because of the time in which they emerged onto the music scene. I never thought that was fair, seeing as how lyrically they were a little ahead of the times on what was deemed “appropriate” for mainstream music. Musically, they have consistently evolved since their debut album which confirms they are a force to be reckoned with. No band should keep remaking their first big album; on the contrary, they should grasp the experience and use it to move forward. But for some reason many Bulletboys fans never wanted them to progress.

The main reason Marq is on my countdown is his steadfastness. He planted his feet firmly in the ground when he founded his band and has yet to waver. Do I think some of the critics out there have gotten to him from time to time? Absolutely. He’s human just like the rest of us. Although I will say that of all his critics out there, 2 out of 3 are just jumping on the bullshit bandwagon and are really undercover fans. Seriously, I find it amazing how some so-called critics know every song on every album and have seen Bulletboys perform live at least once. Sounds like a fan to me! I’m part of the rest of the fans out there impatiently awaiting the release of Elefanté.

Number 3 on the countdown is Rudy Sarzo. Rudy is yet another musician who has been associated with a number of high profile bands. These include Ozzy Osbourne, Dio,Blue Öyster Cult,Quiet Riot, Queensrÿche,Whitesnake, and Driving Force.

He has also formed a few bands, written a book, is involved with charity projects,and has done some digital animation work. When not performing, one of the things Sarzo enjoys is being a counselor at Rock ‘N’ Roll Band Camp. You can visit http://www.rockcamp.com to find out what the camp is all about and see when he is scheduled to be in attendance.

Rudy’s compassion is what stands out as one of his most beautiful qualities. Rudy has used his musical talent to help raise money for people who have faced life altering tragedies or experienced devastating loss, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, etc. He is an admired artist of Dare to Support Rockers Who Care, an organization that promotes bands and musicians who go above and beyond to help others. (https://www.facebook.com/DaretoSupportRockersWhoCare). His caring nature expands further than his fellow humans; he is eco-conscious and an avid animal lover/activist. Rudy frequently shares post on social media from multiple animal shelters around the U.S. promoting animal adoption.

Of course, I have barely touched on all the good works Rudy has done over the span of his career. Not to mention, he is quite the accomplished bassist. Most recently Rudy has been playing shows with GUNZO, which is a supergroup I have mentioned in previous posts.

You can keep up with GUNZO on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GUNZOBAND. Visit http://www.rudysarzo.com for everything Rudy including his bio, book info, and social media links. Thank you, Rudy Sarzo, for your decades of compassion and support for your fellow beings, regardless if they have two legs or more.

Kirk Hammett has the number 4 spot of my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet”. Honestly, do I really need to explain who Kirk is? For those who have spent their entire lives in a cave, Kirk is the lead guitarist for Metallica.

He began his musical career in Exodus, ​which he co-founded, but was drafted by Metallica when they were looking for a new lead guitarist and noticed Kirk while Exodus opened up for them on tour. Upon joining in 1983, with the exception of a few guest appearances on friends’ projects, he has not been associated with any other band. In my opinion, this concept has worked very well for Metallica. They have been around for over 30 years and have done just about everything, including set a world record. Whether you are a fan or not, you still have to admit they are a household name.

Kirk is on my countdown because he’s got heart. There are endless interviews and video footage that display how Hammett approaches anything he does with not only excitement, but also consideration for how it will affect his fans. He sincerely cares about the general welfare and feelings of others. Of course he can’t please everyone, although I honestly think he strives to please the vast majority. As I have mentioned before, even though I am quite familiar with everyone I have talked about I still do my research to make sure I relay the most accurate information I can. That said I was really disheartened to see websites out there bashing Kirk. While not entertaining the authors to give them hits on their sites, I read their descriptions on the search and just had to chuckle to myself. If any of them needed help and Kirk was aware of their situations he would probably reach out to them. Not for publicity or praise, but for the simple fact that he’s human.

Metallica is rumored to be working on a new album. With the rumors come the “fan” comments, griping about how long it’s been blah blah blah. It makes me wonder if these same “fans” have paid any attention to the touring Metallica has been doing for quite a few years. It takes more than just waking up one morning and boarding a plane to go on tour. In addition, the band members have been doing other things in their spare time. This month (April 10 – 12) was the second annual Kirk Von Hammett’s FearFest Evil (http://www.fearfestevil.com), where Kirk celebrates his love of horror and brutal live music. I’m sure it took months of preparation to put this together. New album or not, the band will be touring this summer.

Visit http://www.metallica.com for dates, band info, and band merch. If you do plan on attending a show, I probably don’t have to remind you to order well in advance. Thank you, Kirk Hammett, for putting so much of yourself into everything you do. You are truly a beautiful human being.

In the number 5 position is Chuck Wright. Chuck is undisputedly one of the most talented bassists alive. The first thing that comes to mind for most people is his time spent with Quiet Riot.

Chuck was the bassist on “Bang Your Head” and others from Mental Health even though he briefly left the band before its rapid rise to popularity. ​Wright is the man behind the bass on most Quiet Riot albums, even though he would periodically exit the band lineup to work on other projects. Speaking of other projects – oh MY, what a list of accomplishments! He’s worked with a massive amount of high profile bands and musicians as well as helped compose many film scores and done digital art.

Chuck’s passion is why he is on my countdown. That is not to say none of the other artis﻿ts here aren't passionate about their work, because they all are﻿; however, Chuck stands out because of the vast array of work he has done over the course of three plus decades. As it stands he has no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. I recommend visiting http://www.chuckwright.com to fully experience the magnitude of Chuck’s life’s work. He has everything on his site, including some of his art.Nowadays you can catch Chuck jamming out with friends at Ultimate Jam Night (https://www.facebook.com/ultimatejamnight) at Lucky Strike Live in Los Angeles (http://www.bowlluckystrike.com ).

I have never been to California, but if my life ever slows down enough for me to make a trip you can be damn sure I will be in L.A. for Ultimate Jam Night.Although not one to make anything like a bucket list, if I were to ever do so this would be at the top. Thank you, Chuck Wright, for your tireless contributions to music, film, and art. You are definitely among the best of the best.

Tracii Guns comes in at number 6 on the countdown. Tracii is the lead guitarist and a founding member of quite a few high profile bands over the past three decades, beginning with L.A. Guns; then later Guns N’ Roses and Brides Of Destruction, and more recently Devil City Angels and GUNZO. Of course these are not all the bands Tracii is affiliated with; however, as I have mentioned before with other artists on my countdown, there’s no way I could properly cover everything in this one blog. Needless to say, Tracii has had a full career and it is still going strong.

I can honestly say that Tracii’s lust for life is what has landed him on my countdown. He is active on social media, and enjoys sharing upbeat humorous posts with his followers. It is not uncommon for him to interact with fans on his accounts, as long as they keep things light and friendly. Musically, Tracii doesn’t seem to like to take much time off. If one band is taking a break he will line up a show or two with another band. If that isn’t possible to do at the time, he has no problem throwing together a supergroup just to go out and jam with for a little while. As a matter of fact, Brides Of Destruction, Devil City Angels, and GUNZO are supergroups. If you search YouTube and watch live performances of Tracii with any band he has played with, you will more often than not see him smiling throughout the performance. It is clear he absolutely loves what he does.

﻿A quick search on any social media will﻿ lead you to Tracii’s pages as well as band pages for acts in which he is affiliated. Thank you, Tracii Guns, for everything you have done for music and for doing it with such enthusiasm.

The number 7 spot on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” is held by Rowan Robertson. Rowan is the guitarist for the mega-super group DC4. He is also associated with other bands, including Bang Tango, A.M. Radio, and Vast; not to mention his own band Violet’s Demise. However, many people recognize Robertson from his days with Dio.

Rowan is on my countdown because of his diligence. He was very young when he began playing guitar, so by the time he reached his teens the skill level at which he was playing was considerably higher than most kids his age.

After attending a Dio concert, Robertson made up his mind to be on the stage himself one day. His chance came at the age of 17 when, coincidentally, he ran across an ad placed by Dio looking for another guitarist. Rowan, at first rejected, never relented. He submitted another tape, landed himself a couple of auditions and the rest is history. He has been a major player in the music world ever since.

﻿Rowan and the rest of DC4 are planning on releasing a new album before the year is out. They have played some amazing live shows already this year, including Count’sVamp’d in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I am a big fan of DC4 and feel everyone should take the time to listen to them if you have not already done so. You can follow the band on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DC4HardRock and Twitter https://twitter.com/DC4Megarock for up to date band info. Visit http://www.dc4rocks.com to purchase albums and other band merch. ﻿

They currently have a sweet deal for all three of their CDs for $20 USD, so if you do not own them yet I suggest you take full advantage of this sale. Thank you, Rowan Robertson for realizing your dream, and not giving up until you made it come true. You are an inspiration to us all.

The number 8 position on my countdown is held by Bobby Blotzer. Bobby is the drummer for Ratt, which he joined in 1982. Throughout the years he has done a few side projects and worked with close friends on their projects; however, none of them were permanent endeavors.

Ratt has seen a few breakups and members have come and gone, some of them more than once; nonetheless, Bobby has held his position since 1982 even when it seemed there was no hope left for the band at all.

Bobby’s resolve stands out to me as one of his most beautiful qualities. He has spent over half his life in Ratt and loves what he does. At one point there was a legal issue concerning the band, where Bobby triumphed in court, which completely changed the dynamics of Ratt. Personally, I feel Blotzer was justified in his actions. If I were to invest my time and effort into a business with colleagues or friends, then decades later those people had a change of heart and I was at risk of losing my life’s work I would fight for it too. Those who have negative sentiments toward Bobby for his decision should look at things from the human perspective instead of the publicity one. Regardless of who thinks what, Bobby is the one still rocking!

This summer Blotzer will embark on his Ratt tour with a killer lineup of musicians in his reformed band. Follow Bobby Blotzer’s Ratt Experience on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheRattExperience to keep up with all the current news and events straight from the man himself. For Bobby Blotzer merchandise, please visit http://www.blotzer.com.

This is one show I will definitely try and catch. Thank you, Bobby Blotzer, for standing firm and continuing your saga. I look forward to seeing more from you soon.

Vernon Reid has the number 9 spot on the countdown. Most people will remember Vernon as the lead guitarist for the band Living Colour. But he developed quite the following before joining Living Colour, when he was a member of a couple of jazz – inspired bands. In addition, Reid has done countless work with other artists; including producing, collaborating, and composing, not to mention his solo work.

Vernon’s zeal is what has always stood out to me as one of his most beautiful qualities. Looking at his career, one can clearly see the depth of his talent. We’re talking jazz, metal, classical, punk, and hard rock just to name a few. He has broken down stereotypes of black musicians in the rock and metal genres, and has earned the respect as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In 1985, Reid co-founded an organization whose sole purpose is to ensure music equality. The Black Rock Coalition is an organization formed to assist black musicians who want to pursue music careers in genres that are not stereotypical of black artists. Please visit http://blackrockcoalition.org to learn more about the BRC and make a donation to help fund new artists and projects.

Thank you, Vernon Reid, for your zealous contributions to the world of music. Not only have you broken through stereotypes of what a rock musician is, you have helped open doors for others.

Busting in at number 10 on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” is Dee Snider. Dee is the frontman for the band Twisted Sister. For those of you who have been faithful to my blog since its humble beginning a short time ago, you will recall the significance of Twisted Sister in my own life.

If you’re new to my blog, then you should read my previous postings to find out what I mean. Snider was in a few other bands before Twisted Sister, although they were not near as successful. Dee also formed a couple of other bands after Twisted Sister disbanded: Desperado and Widowmaker. In addition to the bands, Snider has been a TV host on music programs and a radio DJ. He is also involved with charities, has done voice work for a video game, has a number of television and movie roles, and has even done Broadway. One of the things I find most beautiful about Dee is his voice, and not just pertaining to music, radio, or other vocal endeavors that I already mentioned. Dee has never been afraid to voice his stance on anything, and yet has managed to keep from crossing the line between standing one’s ground and being belligerent. That takes finesse and class. To find out about everything going on in Dee’s world, visit http://www.deesnider.com. Twisted Sister will be touring, beginning next month. The band has needed some time to mourn the unexpected loss of their brother, drummer A.J. Pero.

Tour dates, including a special show honoring A.J., can be found on the band’s official website: http://www.twistedsister.com. Thank you, Dee Snider, for your beautiful voice and for being such an inspiration to me personally.

Vivian Campbell holds the number 11 spot on my countdown. Normally, this is where I would add what band the artist is best known for being affiliated with. However, Vivian has been a member of a few influential bands including Dio, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard.

In addition, he has worked with Sweet Savage, Trinity, Shadow King, Clock, and Last In Line, as well as collaborated with some hard hitting artists and done some solo projects. Vivian is still a member of Def Leppard and has been since 1992. It should be no surprise that I feel Vivian’s proficiency is one of his most beautiful qualities. As all of you should agree, those are some big names, and Campbell’s skills are off the charts. If you’ve ever watched him play, it’s clear that he almost becomes one with his guitar. Decades of playing have allowed him to perfect his personal style. In my book, he is one of the greatest guitarists of all time. In 2013, Vivian announced he was suffering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and ended up going through three rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Now in remission and recovering nicely, an optimistic Campbell and the rest of Def Leppard have hit the road.

Check http://www.defleppard.com for tour dates and current news. Thank you, Vivian Cambell, for your impeccable skill and I wish you well.

The number 12 position on my countdown goes to Mick Mars. Mick is the guitarist for Mötley Crüe. He played in a variety of bands before joining Mötley Crüe, and has also done some songwriting and guitar tracks for other bands and artists.

His wicked riffs and laid back playing style have captivated fans and music lovers since he began playing in bands in the 1970’s. There is something else about Mick Mars that causes him to stand out, and that is his struggle with ankylosing spondylitis.Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS, is a debilitating arthritis that affects the spine. I urge you to take a few seconds to find out exactly how it affects the body here at http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx. Hopefully you took the time to read how serious the disease is, so that you are able to understand a little about what Mars goes through on a daily basis. Most people with AS are unable to even walk around or drive a vehicle. However, Mick Mars has managed to hold a very active musical career.Needless to say, Mick has been in pain everyday for pretty much his entire life. Therefore, I’m probably not alone when I say perseverance is one of his most beautiful qualities. I couldn’t imagine living a single day with AS, but Mick has dealt with it his entire career. I find it amazing how he has been able to perform onstage for decades with a disease that is known incapacitate many of those who have it.

Mötley Crüe is now on their final tour. For more information, visit http://www.motley.com for remaining dates. Thank you, Mick Mars, for tuning out your pain so you could tune up your guitar. You are truly a rock star.

DJ Ashba holds down the number 13 spot on my countdown. DJ is the guitarist for Sixx:A.M. since 2007. However, like most of the artists on my list, he has been associated with many other projects. I first noticed DJ when he joined one of my favorite bands of all time, Bulletboys, becoming their new guitarist in 1998. He later left to form his own band, Beautiful Creatures, and then in 2009 he took on the role of lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses. He also released solo work and has done some collaborating with other artists. Also included in his career are his own companies and is spokesperson for an agency that combats bullying.

I would like to stray from my “norm” this time and talk about Bullyville for a moment. Found here: http://www.bullyville.com, the site is a place where those who are bullied in any kind of way can reach out for help and support. Ashba, a spokesperson for the organization behind the site, speaks candidly in an article about growing up with an abusive father. I knew where he was coming from, as my younger siblings (who are now deceased) and I walked on eggshells our entire childhood for the same reason. That’s why I think DJ’s pain is one of the things that makes him so beautiful. Instead of turning out to be a bully himself, he channeled that energy into his music and giving to others. He may not have children of his own, but he is looked up to by so many young people who feel like they have no voice. In a way, he is a father figure to some of these kids, and that is a beautiful thing. Currently, DJ and the rest of Sixx:A.M. are on tour.

I highly recommend buying your tickets well in advance if you plan on catching them, as they are selling out quickly. Please visit http://www.djashba.com for tour info and much more from DJ. Thank you, DJ Ashba, for breaking the cycle and being an inspiration to so many others.

Tom Keifer is in the number 14 spot on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet”. Tom is lead vocalist and co-founder of the band Cinderella. Before that, he was in a few local bands, and has also released a solo album. Although not by choice, Tom had to take a hiatus from his career for unforeseen medical reasons.

In 1991, Tom was diagnosed with paralysis of one of his left vocal cords. That is why I feel one of Tom’s most beautiful qualities is his determination. His condition has no cure, and usually means the end of a vocalist’s career. However, quitting wasn’t an option for Keifer. It has taken surgeries, time, patience, and continuous vocal training, but Tom has been able to continue his career.

This year Tom is touring for his solo album “The Way Life Goes”, which took him the better part of a decade to record because of his paralysis. For tour dates and tickets, visit http://www.tomkeifer.com. As for Cinderella, there are no shows currently scheduled; however, check http://www.cinderella.net for band updates. Thank you, Tom Keifer, for never giving up and defying the odds.

Duff McKagan is in the Number 15 spot on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet”. Although he is most widely known as the bassist for Guns N’ Roses, Duff has quite the musical résumé; so much so that there is no way I could cover all his accomplishments in this particular article.

Last year, his band Walking Papers released an album and did some touring. For all the details concerning this project, please visit http://www.walking-papers.com. McKagan also writes a couple of online news articles, has done some acting, written a book, and is involved with a number of charities. Last year, I watched a video of Duff when he was a guest on an L.A. radio show talking about Walking Papers. At one point during the broadcast, he told the story of his move to L.A. and how Guns N’ Roses came to be. What I loved most about the video was Duff’s demeanor; his face literally glowed as he reminisced his early days in music, and held that glow as he gave his appreciation to friends he toured with in 2014. This interview is what let me know that I was correct in my assumption about him years ago when I composed this list.

I think one of Duff McKagan’s most beautiful traits is his loyalty. Not only is he loyal to his family, music, fans, and friends, he is also loyal to himself. I say he is loyal to himself because in the radio video, he never trash talked anyone or made any kind of negative comments about a single person despite what may have happened in the past.

To me, that says loads about his character. Thank you, Duff McKagan for your decades of loyalty, and I look forward to much more from you in the future.

Nikki Sixx takes the number 16 spot on my personal countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet.” Let’s not kid ourselves; everyone should know who Nikki Sixx is. He is a founding member and bassist of Mötley Crüe. In addition, Sixx has done some songwriting for a number of other artists, was a member of the super group Brides Of Destruction, and has had a couple of side projects.

﻿Those projects include58 and Sixx:A.M. However, as Mötley Crüe wraps up their final tour, it seems Sixx:A.M. has fully evolved from being a side project. He also has a radio show called Sixx Sense.I pre-ordered Sixx:A.M.’s “Modern Vintage” album, then later that day, I read a tweet Nikki sent with a link to sample the full album. I was so glad I pre-ordered it, and I am truly convinced that Modern Vintage will go down as one of the most epic albums of all time. While I normally lean toward much harder metal, I really appreciated the proficiency of this album. Although Sixx is part of one of the most influential bands ever, Mötley Crüe, I feel some of his best work has been with Sixx:A.M.So what do I feel is one of Nikki Sixx’s most beautiful qualities? It’s his sobriety. Sobriety is beautiful on anybody, and Nikki is no exception. He has been clean and sober since 2004, and it shows in his work. His band Sixx:A.M. has already sold out their first show and I’m quite sure they will all sell out quickly. ﻿

Coming in at number 17 is David Coverdale, the lead vocalist for Whitesnake. After singing with a few popular local bands in his native England, David auditioned for the band Deep Purple and became a member in 1973. In 1977, Coverdale decided to release a solo album, then a second album a year later. However, he felt the band he used to record the albums worked so well that he re-released the albums, calling the band Whitesnake.

Whitesnake had a large following in Europe. Beginning in 1980, they found an American following as well. In the early 1990’s, David and Jimmy Page formed the super group Coverdale/Page and released one album.

David has an amazing voice. He sounds just a good now as he did decades ago when he was first starting out. That’s why I think his consistency is one of his most beautiful qualities. I’m sure almost everyone will agree that Deep Purple is one of the most influential bands of its era. David was asked to join that band because of his vocal style, which has never changed despite forming his own band. That is why Whitesnake has been so successful. True, it takes a whole band to produce good music. But if David’s vocal style would have wavered, I do not feel it would have been able to live up to the band.Whitesnake is set to release a new album, The Purple Album, in May of this year. You can pre-order it now on iTunes and the song “Burn” will be an instant download. The North American tour for the album kicks off at the end of May, and the world tour in December. Check for dates and where to get tickets at http://www.whitesnake.com/.

I’m sure they will sell out quickly, so pre-order them if you plan on catching a show! Thank you David Coverdale, for always being consistent with your music and not changing yourself to please others.

Number 18 on the countdown is Angus Young. I shouldn’t have to explain who this is, but for writing’s sake, I will. Angus is the lead guitarist for AC/DC. Angus and his brother Malcom decided to form a solid rock band producing music that would withstand time. AC/DC played their very first show in 1973, and have been going strong ever since.

Angus is small in stature, standing only five-foot-two; however, he is a powerhouse when performing and his talent is off the charts.

I had the pleasure of going to an AC/DC concert myself. I saw the “Thunderstruck” tour in 2000 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum; and it was hands down the best concert I’ve ever been to. Angus wore his schoolboy uniform, of course, which he has worn onstage ever since attending a band practice, wearing it in the very early days of the band. He also did his infamous “duck walk” that he is said to have adapted from James Brown.

Aside from his outfit and the “walk”, Young’s entire performance was purely electric from the first song to the last. That’s why I believe Angus’s vigor is one of his most beautiful qualities. One could never watch him perform and not feel his intensity.

AC/DC will be on their “Rock Or Bust” world tour this year, beginning this month where they will be playing Coachella in Indio, CA. For more information and a list of all the tour dates, please visit http://www.acdc.com/us/rockorbust. Thank you Angus Young, for your vigorous performances and your contribution to timeless rock and roll.

Breaking through the top twenty, Zakk Wylde holds the number nineteen spot on the countdown of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet." Zakk is lead vocalist and guitarist (and sometimes pianist) for his band Black Label Society, which he formed in 1999 after doing a solo album.

Before the solo album, Wylde was a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band. In my opinion, Zakk was part of the best lineup of Osbourne’s band to date. In addition to his own band, and Osbourne’s band, Zakk has played with countless other artists. Even though I composed this list years ago and am quite familiar with everyone on it, I still do research when writing about them. With that said, I made sure to do some extra research on Zakk Wylde and BLS. While I do not have a Facebook account, I am very active on Twitter. I do follow Zakk Wylde, have a few BLS fans following me and have always found it intriguing how they make it known they are BLS family members. I think it is fitting that I share my findings regarding BLS Chapters, which can be found here http://bravewords.com/news/black-label-society-chapters-and-patches-explained. Zakk’s fans are very loyal, as he is to them. His Twitter posts consist mainly of his music and family, including his extended family – his fans. It is not uncommon for Zakk to wish a fan “happy birthday” or give a shoutout to a particular BLS chapter he engaged with while touring.

That is why I feel Zakk’s sense of brotherhood is one of his most beautiful qualities. His fans seem to inspire him just as much as he inspires his fans. He takes no one for granted, even if he just met them in passing. Black Label Society is currently on tour.

Finishing out the “twenties” on “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” is bassist Robert Trujillo of Metallica. Robert already had a full career under his belt by the time he joined Metallica in 2003, including Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne, and Jerry Cantrell’s solo work. He has also worked with a number of other artists and bands. It’s no surprise he captured the attention of Metallica when they began looking for a new bassist.

Robert has a unique playing style. His playing stance itself catches lots of attention, as does the way he holds the bass. More often than not, he can be seen plucking a 5-string bass very fast and normally doesn’t use a pick. In my opinion, Rob’s ferocity is what stands out as one of his most beautiful qualities. He gives it everything he has for his fans and that clearly shows in his live performances.

I am going to do things a little differently with Robert’s salute, in that I am attaching more than one video. I would like to showcase his amazing playing style for those who aren’t that familiar with Robert’s work. In addition to playing, Robert has done a documentary about Jaco Pastorius. To find out more about that, please visit http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jacothefilm Thank you, Robert Trujillo for your ferocious style that has been an inspiration to many.

Metallica - "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (Live Big Day Out, 2001)

Suicidal Tendencies on stage to perform Infectious Grooves songs "Punk It Up" and "Violent & Funky" at the 2012 Orion Music & More Festival on the Damage Inc stage on June 23, 2012

The number 21 slot on “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” belongs to Kip Winger. Naturally, most people will automatically guess he’s a founding member of the band Winger. While that holds true, there is so much more to Kip Winger than being part of the band. Before forming Winger, Kip played bass for Alice Cooper as well as helped with some songwriting, vocals and session work for other bands and artists. In addition to Winger, he was also part of The Alan Parsons Live Project. What some of you may not know is that Kip was actually classically trained.

As a teenager, Kip studied classical music. However, his contribution to the rock world in his early twenties is where Kip got his musical break. Alice Cooper and Winger proved very successful. Don’t think for a minute he threw his classical training out the window. On the contrary, sometime in the mid-1990’s, Kip decided to return to studying classical music and composition. His years of studying are reflected in his solo albums. I strongly suggest everyone listen to at least one of Kip’s solo albums. Normally I would offer a personal favorite, but this time I don’t have a favorite – I like them all.

So what do I think is Kip Winger’s most beautiful quality? In my opinion, it’s his soul. It would have been easy for Kip to be derailed from doing the music he loves, but he never let that happen. Yes, he loves to rock and we all love him for it. On the other hand, the quality of his solo work stands out to me, because it is a reflection of a more disciplined side of his music.

Kip is currently on tour, playing some solo dates while simultaneously touring with the band Winger, promoting their new album Better Days Comin'. Go to http://www.kipwinger.com/ to find a show in your area and purchase VIP tickets. Also, be sure to sample Kip’s solo work while you’re there. Thank you Kip Winger for being such a beautiful soul.

Bruce Dickinson holds the number 22 spot on the countdown. I probably do not have to explain who Dickinson is, but will do so anyway. Bruce is known widely as frontman for the band Iron Maiden, which he joined in 1982 in time to begin lead vocals on the band’s third album. Before Maiden, Bruce was lead vocalist for a band named Samson.

He has also done numerous solo projects, in which some can be purchased at http://www.screamforme.com/. Like many fellow artists, Dickinson has many interests and hobbies that extend further than the music world. However, as I have previously mentioned, since this is a music blog, that is what we will concentrate on.

I personally love Iron Maiden, especially the Dickinson era. His voice complements the band perfectly, and his vocal range is amazing. Even though he is now in his sixties, Bruce can still perform just as he did with his first Iron Maiden album, The Number of the Beast. Recently, Bruce underwent a round of chemotherapy for cancer of the tongue. Understandably, Dickinson, along with the rest of Iron Maiden, are waiting until he is physically able to carry on as planned. Check https://www.ironmaiden.com/ for full updates on Bruce’s recovery and the band itself.

Iron Maiden Live

With that said, I feel Bruce’s tenacity is the main thing that makes him beautiful. Given his age and recent health issues, it would not surprise fans if he announced his retirement, but this is not Bruce’s way. Tentatively, Bruce has every intention of jumping right back into the swing of things just as soon as he recovers from chemo.

Personally, I will be more than thrilled to see new stuff from Bruce Dickinson and Iron Maiden. Judging by the way Bruce has always been interactive with his fans, I know he wants the same. Thank you, Bruce Dickinson, for decades of amazing music.

Scott Ian holds the number 23 spot on my personal list of “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet”. His first claim to fame is as one of the founding members of the thrash metal band Anthrax. Scott's childhood influences were heavier rock and punk bands from the 1970’s through the early 1980’s. Scott, like so many other musicians, knew he was destined to be a rock star from a young age.

In knowing what he wanted to do with his life, he put everything he had into it and made his dream a reality. Anthrax came together in 1981. Scott’s early influences combined with his dedication to his music allowed him to have a furiously fast style that made him stand out from the start.

While his influences were metal and punk, Ian also held a fondness for rap music. He would eventually collaborate with rap artists to fuse together thrash metal and rap, pioneering this sound for bands to come. In addition to Anthrax, Scott’s side project called Storm Troopers of Death had some success as well. He was also part of two different super groups: Damnocracy and The Damned Things. Currently, Ian has been part of a third super group called Motor Sister, which was formed to pay homage to a disbanded rock band that Scott, his wife, and new band mates were very fond of. Motor Sister has just released their debut album. Anthrax will be on tour this year, so be sure to go to http://anthrax.com/ and get your tickets.

So by now, the big question on everyone’s mind should be, “What makes Scott Ian beautiful?” In my opinion, the main reason he’s beautiful is his innovation. He’s never been afraid to think outside the box and follow through on his ideas.

I’d also like to point out that in addition to music; Scott has also been involved with a number of television, radio, web programs and films. Since most aren't music related, we will just discuss his music here or else we could be here all day. You can find out more about this at http://scott-ian.com/. Despite the fact we are not fully addressing Scott’s endeavors outside his musical career, I do feel they are worth mentioning in order to show you just how awesome he really is. Thank you, Scott Ian, for your distinct mark on the world of music.

Holding down the “24” spot on my “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars on the Planet” is legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Ritchie has been working professionally since the 1960’s, beginning with plenty of session work for other artists. He then spent some time with the bands Outlaws, Screaming Lord Sutch, and Neil Christian & The Crusaders.

Blackmore is more widely known for his place in the band who started out calling themselves Roundabout, then later changing their name to Deep Purple. In addition, he also formed the very successful band Rainbow (originally named Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow), as well as Blackmore’s Night.

Although Blackmore landed himself plenty of work before Deep Purple, this would be the turning point in his career. By the early 1970’s, many rock bands began to incorporate heavier guitar riffs into their music. These bands, including Deep Purple, helped with the evolution of the ’hard rock’ genre. Ritchie’s infamous guitar solos quickly helped draw a larger audience to the entire genre.

I have included a video showcasing one of Blackmore’s live solos in my favorite Deep Purple song of all time, which is "Space Truckin". I was actually torn on my choice of video for this blog. A live version of Rainbow’s "Man on the Silver Mountain" found on the YouTube link provided below the video, also shows some of Blackmore’s brilliant guitar playing.

With such a wide range of music under his belt, it is no surprise that the main reason Ritchie Blackmore is so beautiful is his diversity. He has worked with bands and artists in a variety of musical genres. Ritchie is currently preparing to tour this summer with his band Blackmore’s Night. To see if they will be playing in a city near you visit http://www.blackmoresnight.com/ for future tour dates, band info and merchandise, as well as a biography on Blackmore’s Night and Ritchie himself. Thank you, Ritchie Blackmore, for your multiple contributions to music and your impact on the rock world.

In the number 25 spot on “The 100 Most Beautiful Rock Stars On The Planet” is Tommy Lee. Although best known as the drummer forMötley Crüe, Tommy’s musical career actually spans three and a half decades. He received his first drums before he was in kindergarten, and was in a band by the time he reached high school. Leaving high school and the band behind, Tommy joined the band Suite 19 in hopes of becoming a rock star. He soon left them to be a founding member of Mötley Crüe, currently on their final tour. He also formed the band Methods of Mayhem and has done some solo projects.

Needless to say, Tommy has been performing in a band since he was in his late teens. His years of experience reflect in his work, as does his love for what he does. It seems as though from the time he got his first drum kit, he hit the ground running and his devotion has never faded. In my opinion, this is the main quality of many that makes Tommy Lee beautiful.

He still strives to go further by pushing boundaries and testing new waters despite his already successful career. While others from his musical era have slowed down or become set in their ways, Tommy still dives headfirst into new projects with the same excitement and vigor he had when he founded Mötley Crüe.

These days, Tommy is rounding out the final tour with Mötley Crüe, collaborating with fellow musicians, producing, and has teamed up with a popular DJ to produce a new sound stemming from techno house music. Before any of you die-hard rockers out there become disgruntled, I suggest visiting http://www.tommylee.com/ and watching some of the videos on the site with Tommy on the mix table.

I am also a rocker chick through and through, but I really like what Tommy has done. Not only is he good at it, but his heart is completely in it and can be clearly seen in the videos on his website.

Tommy Lee’s undying devotion is what makes him the number twenty-five "Most Beautiful Rock Star on the Planet." Thank you Tommy for the past thirty-six years and counting.

Tommy Lee's drum roller coaster solo over the crowd followed up by the full band playing Live Wire at Tulsa's BOK Center.